Flexible packaging bag with visual display feature

ABSTRACT

A flexible packaging bag is provided for containing a plurality of articles. Each of the articles has a component which is desirably visible to a user, purchaser, or the like. The flexible packaging bag includes a window in one of its walls that has a periphery substantially framing the graphic that is desired to be seen. A visual cue can be provided in another wall such that it is visually associated with the window in order to draw the attention of the user, purchaser, or the like to the graphic of the visible article. An accessory window is also provided in the flexible packaging bag so that the number of remaining articles can be easily determined visually.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to flexible packaging bags for containingand dispensing articles. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a flexible packaging bag having a visual display featurepermitting selected portions of the contained articles to be visuallyperceivable.

Packaging bags composed of flexible polymer materials have been used forpackaging various types of products, such as infant diapers, trainingpants, feminine care products, and adult incontinence garments. Thesebags allow packaging of the articles to create a carton-like look and aconfiguration facilitating transportation and display on retail shelves.The bags may include handles to facilitate the carrying of the bags, andcan include mechanisms for providing an access opening in the package.

In order to inform the consumer of the contents of a particular bag, thematerial of which the bag is made is printed with written information,illustrations, or the like appropriate for the particular articles.Generally, the material of which the bag is made will be printed with abackground color, and upon this background color will be further printedan illustration of the contained articles and terminology describing thearticle, its use, the manufacturer, or the like.

One of the problems with the current printing of these bags is that theymay not be truly representative of the actual product contained therein.This can have the undesirable effect of decreasing the credibility ofthe consumer in the product's structure, and thus its performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response to the discussed difficulties and problems encountered inthe prior art, a flexible packaging bag having a visual display featurehas been discovered.

In one form of the invention there is provided a packaging bag having apair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall;all of the walls defining an interior space. A stack of articles arecontained in the interior space, and each of the articles includes afront panel and a back panel with a graphic on one of the panels. One ofthe walls has a window having a periphery substantially framing at leasta portion of the graphic.

In another form of the present invention there is provided a packagingbag having a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall, and abottom wall, all of which define an interior space. A stack of articlesare contained in the interior space. A window substantially wraps aroundfour of the walls, and at least a segment of a component of the articlesis visually perceivable through the window.

In yet another form of the present invention there is provided apackaging bag having a plurality of walls forming a polyhedral enclosurehaving an interior space. A stack of articles is contained in theinterior space, and each of the articles has a component associatedtherewith. At least a portion of one of the walls is at leastsubstantially clear, and the stack of articles are positioned in theinterior space so that at least a segment of the component is visuallyperceivable through the substantially clear portion.

In still yet another form of the invention there is provided a packagingbag having a substantially transparent enclosure defined by a pluralityof sides forming an interior space. A stack of articles are contained inthe interior space, and each article has a front panel and a back panel.At least one of the panels of each article includes a graphic thereon. Amechanism is provided for accessing the interior space for dispensingthe articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of the present invention and themanner of attaining them will become more apparent, and the inventionitself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one article having a graphic thereon;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of another article having a graphicthereon;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one bag of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a stack of articles;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second bag of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a third bag of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a fourth bag of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a fifth bag of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a sixth bag of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a bag that has been opened to expose the interiorspace and the articles contained therein;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a seventh bag of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates an eighth bag of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a child's disposable absorbent training pant,in which the term “disposable” means that the training pant is designedto be used until soiled and then discarded, rather than being washed andbeing reused again. Examples of other suitable disposable absorbentarticles that can be used with the flexible packaging bag of the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, disposable absorbent pants,diapers, feminine care products, incontinence products, disposableapparel, or the like. Hereafter, when used with reference to, by way ofexample, a disposable training pant, the term “component” can refer, butis not limited, to all or a segment of a designated selected region,such as edges, corners, sides or the like; structural members such aselastic strips, absorbent pads, elastic layers or panels, layers ofmaterial, or the like; or a graphic. The term “graphic” can refer, butis not limited, to an image, design, pattern, symbology, indicia, or thelike.

A disposable absorbent article, such as the training pant illustrated inFIG. 1 or 2, can have multiple appearance-related and/orfunction-related components. Examples of components that areappearance-related include, but are not limited to, graphics; thehighlighting or emphasizing of leg and waist openings in order to makeproduct shaping more evident or visible; the highlighting or emphasizingof areas of the article to simulate functional components such aselastic leg bands, elastic waistbands, simulated “fly openings” forboys, or ruffles for girls; the highlighting of areas of the product tochange the appearance of the size of the product; selectively positionedwetness indicators; back labels or front labels; and selectivelypositioned written instructions at a desired location on the article.

Examples of functional components include, but are not limited to, waistelastics, leg elastics, areas of breathability, fluid repellent areas,fluid wettable areas, adhesives, coatings, encapsulated inks,chemically-sensitive materials, environmentally-sensitive materials,heat-sensitive materials, moisture-sensitive materials, perfumes, odorcontrol agents, inks, fasteners, fluid storage areas, textured orembossed areas, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a child's disposabletraining pant 10 generally comprising a front panel 12, a back panel 14,a crotch panel 16 interconnecting front and back panels 12, 14, and apair of elastic side panels 18. Each elastic side panel 18 is formedfrom two separate elastic portions and are suitably joined together,such as by ultrasonic bonding, to form a side seam 20. Upon theconstruction of side seams 20, a waist opening 22 and leg openings 24are formed. The side seams 20 may be constructed to be manually tearablein order to allow training pant 10 to be disassembled manually by thecaregiver, so that it can be easily removed from the child after a bowelmovement. A more detailed description of the construction and design ofthe above-described training pant 10 can be found in U.S. Pat. No.4,940,464, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.One specific manner of supplying elastic side panels 18 is described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,224,405 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,116, both of whichare incorporated by reference herein. The provision of side seams 20 canbe accomplished in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,272 whichis incorporated by reference herein.

Training pant 10 further comprises a front waist elastic 26, suitablyjoined to front panel 12, a back waist elastic 28 suitably joined toback panel 14, leg elastics 30 suitably positioned in crotch panel 16,and an absorbent pad positioned between a liquid impermeable outer coveror backsheet 34 and a liquid permeable liner or topsheet 36. A graphic38 is selectively positioned on front panel 12, and as illustratedcomprises a design of a simulated “fly opening” 40, typical of a male'sunderwear, along with a rainbow, sun, clouds, and cars. The graphic 38can be any type of desired pattern, artistic feature, or the like, andis desired to be positioned in the article at a selected location.

FIG. 2 illustrates another training pant 42 that can be typically usedfor young girls. This training pant 40 includes a graphic 44representative of the different types of appearance-related componentsthat can be included in a disposable absorbent article. The graphic 44includes simulated waist ruffles 46, simulated leg ruffles 48, alongwith a rainbow, sun, clouds, wagon, and balloon. Again, any suitablegraphic can be utilized so as to convey an aesthetically and/orfunctionally pleasing appearance to the user and caregiver.

Referring primarily to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a flexible packagingbag 50 having a polyhedral shape defining or forming a polyhedralenclosure. Specifically, bag 50 has a hexahedral shape that forms ordefines a hexahedral enclosure. Bag 50 is defined by a pair of end walls52, a pair of side walls 54, a top wall 56, and a bottom wall 58. Eachof the walls has a periphery, such as periphery 62 for an end wall 52.The walls 52, 54, 56, 58 define an interior space 60 (FIG. 10) forcontaining a compressed stack 64 (FIG. 4) of articles, such as trainingpants 10. The term “compressed articles” or similar terminology willmean that the stack of articles, such as training pants 10 in FIG. 4,are compressed inwardly by a compression force at their front and backsurfaces or panels, such as front panel 12 and back panel 14, in adirection parallel to stack direction 66 (FIG. 4), so as to decrease thelength dimension 68 of the originally, uncompressed articles. Thecompressed stack 64 also includes a width dimension 70 and a heightdimension 72. The term “compression packed” or similar terminologydescribes the state or condition of training pants 10 after they havebeen compressed and inserted into bag 50. The term “expansion force” orsimilar terminology refers to that generally equal force exerted by thecompressed stack 64 in a direction generally opposite and parallel tothe compression force and against primarily end walls 52. Naturally, allof the walls of bag 50 experience some degree of tension.

Bag 50 may be composed of different materials, or may be composed ofsubstantially the same type of materials. Typically, the material is apolymer film which is sufficiently flexible to assume a desired,generally hexahedral shape when bag 50 is substantially filled withtraining pants 10. In addition, the material should have sufficientstrength to hold and contain the training pants 10, or other articles,without breaking and without excessive bulging or stretching of the filmmaterial. For example, the film material may be composed of apolyethylene film or film laminate having a thickness of about 2.5 mils(about 0.0635 millimeters). Other examples include a LDPE (low densitypolyethylene) film, a LDPE/LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) filmlaminate, a LDPE/MDPE (medium density polyethylene) film laminate, aLDPE/HDPE (high density polyethylene) film laminate or the like.Naturally, the dimensions of bag 50 will depend upon the types ofarticles to be contained therein as well as the desired or aestheticallypreferred shape. A suitable bag, and its method of construction, isillustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,687, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein.

Bag 50 further includes a means, in at least one of the walls, foraccessing the interior space 60 (FIG. 10) for dispensing the trainingpants 10 therefrom. The means for accessing can be a frangible line thatis easily broken. A frangible line 74 (FIG. 3) can be disposed ormanufactured at any position or location on bag 50 that would permitdispensing training pants 10 therefrom. As illustrated in FIG. 3,frangible line 74 is partially located in one side wall 54, continuesunderneath along bottom wall 58, and then upwardly along the oppositeside wall 54 about the same distance as in the other side wall 54. Thisis also illustrated in FIG. 10 where frangible line 74 has been torn inorder to provide an opening 76 for accessing and dispensing trainingpants 10. Frangible line 74 may, for example, be provided by partiallycutting or otherwise thinning through the thickness of the bag materialin a predetermined pattern, providing a selected pattern of perforationsalong the desired sections or walls of the bag, providing a desiredpattern of stress-fatigue weakening along a desired line of the bag, orthe like. As illustrated, frangible line 74 is provided by a line ofperforations in which there can be approximately 2-10 perforations perlineal inch.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 4, each training pant 10 has been foldedsuch that the elastic side panels 18 (FIG. 1) are inwardly disposedbetween front panel 12 and back panel 14. As illustrated in FIG. 4, eachtraining pant 10 generally defines opposing side edges 78, a top edge80, a bottom edge 82, opposing face surfaces 84 (only one of which isillustrated in FIG. 4), and a periphery 86. When the pants arecompression packed in bag 50, surfaces 84 face along stack direction 66.Accordingly, the top edges 80 (as viewed in FIG. 4) of training pants 10contact bottom wall 58, the bottom edges 82 of the training pants 10contact the top wall 56 of bag 50, the side edges 78 of the trainingpants 10 contact the bag side walls 54, and the outermost face surface84 of the end training pants 10 contact end walls 52. Note that thebottom edge 82 of a training pant 10 in FIG. 4 corresponds to the waistopening 22 (FIG. 1).

With reference primarily to FIGS. 3 and 10, bag 50 is opened by breakingfrangible line 74 to gain access via opening 76 to training pants 10.Typically, the separation of frangible line 74 is initiated by breakinga portion thereof, and then propagating the break or tear alongfrangible line 74 through bottom wall 58 and those portions of sidewalls 54 into which frangible line 74 is manufactured. By thus breakingfrangible line 74, the user can insert a finger or thumb through opening76 in order to gain access to training pants 10. Thereafter, the usercan grasp the top of a training pant 10 and pull it out of bag 50, whilethe remaining training pants 10 are maintained within the confines orinterior space 60.

Referring primarily to FIG. 3, bag 50 further includes a window 88disposed or positioned within a portion of end wall 52. Window 88includes a window periphery 90 that has a shape that is substantiallysimilar to the periphery of end wall 52. Window 88 at leastsubstantially frames a component of the training pants 10 containedwithin bag 50. In FIG. 3, the component framed by window 88 is a portionor segment of graphic 38, which is visually perceivable through window88. Training pant 10 also could have another graphic on back panel 14,and in this case, it may be desirable to have that graphic on back panel14 visually perceivable through the end wall 52 opposite from the endwall 52 that has window 88 framing graphic 38. In this case, theopposite end wall, i.e., that end wall not visible in FIG. 3, would alsohave a window.

Depending upon the type of articles to be contained in bag 50, and thecomponents, such as graphics, of those articles, it may be desirable tohave a window in a different wall from end walls 52. For example, shoulda stack of articles be packaged in a different orientation in bag 50,then one of the side walls 54, or the top wall 56 or the bottom wall 58,can have a window to permit a component to be visually perceivedtherethrough.

In referring to window 88 framing a component, such as graphic 38, theterm “framing”, “substantially framing”, or variations thereof, meansthat the window periphery surrounds or encompasses all or at least aportion of the component for visual display. Within the context of thisdescription, a component is visually perceivable if it is clear orsubstantially clear to the person viewing it. The term “clear” refers tothe material capability of transmitting light so that the component, ora portion thereof, can be seen as clearly as if there were nointervening material between the component and the individual. The term“substantially clear” refers to the capability of transmitting light,but causing sufficient diffusion of the light to eliminate perception ofdistinct images, shapes, forms, or the like.

The present invention thus provides the feature of permitting a user,caregiver, or the like, to visually see or perceive a component, or aportion thereof, of the article that they are purchasing, which isparticularly desirable when the articles are packaged in a bag. Thepurchaser also can see or determine the size of the article, therebyproviding a degree of confidence in proper fit. This provides productvisibility at the time of purchase which is important both to the userand caregiver. For example, when bag 50 contains training pants 10, achild can see the gender-specific graphic, as well as the specificproduct being selected. This provides the child with a sense ofownership and an active role in the toilet training process. This isextremely important in encouraging the child to become toilet trained.Equally important is that the caregiver can see a desirable feature orcomponent of the product. For example, if a training pant 10 has aunique outer cover that is, for example, both cloth-like in texture andincludes a unique design or graphic, then the caregiver can have a highdegree of confidence in the product being selected for purchase.

In manufacturing packaging bags, such as bag 50, for containing anddispensing articles, such as training pants 10, it is customary to printthe bag material, either on its outermost surface or its innermostsurface, with a color, illustrations, written instructions, source ofmanufacture, or the like. In this description, the term “background” orvariations thereof will refer to the surrounding, primarily discernibleor perceivable color or ink image printed on the bag 50. For example, iftraining pants 10 are manufactured as gender-specific pants, such astraining pant 10 in FIG. 1 and training pant 42 in FIG. 2, then bag 50can have a background color of blue for boys, and pink for girls. Inthis case, the surrounding, primarily perceivable or discernible colorwould be the blue or pink. The term “copy” will refer to writtenindicia, numbers, letters, symbols, artistic images or patterns, or thelike. Generally, copy is either printed over the background, or overareas of the bag 50 not printed with background. In the example above ofa background being a blue color for boys, the blue colored bag 50 couldhave a printed illustration of the training pant, along with otherillustrations and written instructions for proper use. Similarly, a pinkcolored bag 50 could have an illustration of the girl's training pant,as well as instructions on proper use. The term “substantiallytransparent” refers to that portion of bag 50, or all of bag 50, that isfree of background, but which may have copy. An example of this would beone of the walls of bag 50 being free of background, but includingprinted written instructions for use.

Referring primarily to FIG. 3, bag 50 includes copy 92 illustrated asgenerally horizontal lines. That portion of bag 50 outside of copy 92can have a background, such as a printed blue or pink color earlierdescribed. Consequently, in viewing end wall 52 having window 88, anindividual would visually see a background 94, for example a blue orpink color; copy 92, which could be written instructions or other data;and window 88 through which graphic 38 can be visually perceived.

In some instances of arranging bags 50 on a shelf for retail purposes,it may not be practical to orient the bags 50 so that windows 88 arevisible. In this instance, for example, bags 50 might be oriented on theshelf space such that one of the side walls 54 is visible. In order todraw attention to end wall 52 having window 88 with graphic 38 viewabletherethrough, a visual cue 96 is disposed or arranged in at least one ofthe side walls 54. Visual cue 96 is at least substantially clear, and asillustrated in FIG. 3, has the shape of, by way of example, a lighteningbolt. It should be noted that for purposes of explanation and clarity,visual cue 96 does not show the side edges 78 (FIG. 4) of the individualtraining pants 10 contained therein. Once a viewer sees visual cue 96,his or her attention will be drawn to the end wall 52, so that acomponent, such as a graphic 38, of an article, such as a training pant10, can be visually perceived. Visual cue 96 also can serve as aproduct-remaining indicator or gauge, so that a caregiver can easilydetermine the number of pants 10 remaining in bag 50.

Visual cue 96 may or may not be continuous with window 88. In otherwords, as illustrated in FIG. 3, visual cue 96 and window 88 form aclosed loop pattern or periphery. However, it may be desirable formanufacturing, printing, or packaging purposes to have visual cue 96 andwindow 88 provided as separate areas of visibility. In the latter case,visual cue 96 still serves to draw the attention to window 88 andgraphic 38. Thus, visual cue 96 is visually associated with window 88 todraw attention of the purchaser, user, or the like, to window 88 andgraphic 38.

Continuing to refer primarily to FIG. 3, bag 50 further includes anaccessory window 98 in top wall 56. Due to the particular constructionof bag 50, top wall 56 includes a top gusset 100, while bottom wall 58includes a bottom gusset 102. This particular construction is describedin greater detail in the aforementioned, incorporated U.S. Pat. No.5,282,687. Irrespective of whether top wall 56 has a top gusset 100 ornot, accessory window 98 permits at least a portion of the contentstherein, such as training pants 10, to be visually perceived. Accessorywindow 98 can be positioned or manufactured in any of the walls of bag50, but it is desired that it is in top wall 56, so that the user candetermine the number of training pants 10 remaining in bag 50. It willbe noticed that there is a seal 104 in top wall 56 which is associatedwith the manufacturing of top gusset 100, as well as a similar seal inbottom gusset 102. Accessory window 98 is not required to be in theparticular wall having a gusset. As with window 88, accessory window 98can be either clear or substantially clear, and may include copy as longas that does not interfere with the desired purpose of accessory window98. If desired, accessory window 98 can also be used to draw theattention of the purchaser, user, or the like, to window 88 and graphic38. Accessory window 98 can take any shape, design, or form that isaesthetically pleasing and/or that provides a means to draw attention towindow 88. FIG. 9 illustrates accessory window 98 in top wall 56, whileFIG. 8 illustrates a modification thereto in which accessory window 98extends to the extremities or ends of top wall 56 that are adjacent orcontiguous with end walls 52.

The present invention contemplates various features as represented inthe drawings. In FIG. 5, all of bag 50 is made of a clear, orsubstantially clear, material, so that most, if not all, of theindividual training pants 10 can be visible. However, it may benecessary to include some copy material, and to that extent, most oftraining pants 10 will be visible.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bag 50 in which window 88 is positioned completelywithin the periphery of end wall 52. Copy material 92 is illustrated,but may be eliminated if desired. Again, window 88 may be clear orsubstantially clear.

FIG. 7 illustrates another variation in which end wall 52 is completelyclear, or substantially clear, so that all of the front portion oftraining pant 10 is illustrated, such as front waist elastic 26 and atleast a portion of graphic 38.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a wraparound window 106 in bag 50. In FIG.11, window 106 substantially wraps around four walls of bag 50,specifically end walls 52 and side walls 54. The term “substantiallywraps around” means that window 106 may not be continuous around bag 50due to manufacturing or sealing requirements. However, it is desiredthat window 106 should continuously wrap around bag 50. The wraparoundwindow 106 also serves to identify the remaining training pants 10 inbag 50. In FIG. 12, window 106 substantially wraps around end walls 52,top wall 56, and bottom wall 58.

While this invention has been described as having a preferredembodiment, it will be understood that it is capable of furthermodifications. It is therefore intended to cover any variations,equivalents, uses, or adaptations of the invention following the generalprinciples thereof, and including such departures from the presentdisclosure as come or may come within known or customary practice in theart to which this invention pertains and falls within the limits of theappended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A flexible packaging bag for containing a compressedstack of folded disposable absorbent articles, said flexible packagingbag comprising: a generally polyhedral enclosure composed of a flexiblepolymer material and having an interior space, said polyhedral enclosurecomprising a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall, and abottom wall, a frangible line in at least one of said walls foraccessing said interior space, a compressed stack of folded disposableabsorbent articles compression packed in said polyhedral enclosure andexerting an expansion force against said end walls, each said disposableabsorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbentpad between said topsheet and said backsheet, each said disposableabsorbent article adapted to be worn by a user and further comprising afront panel, a back panel, and a crotch panel, at least one graphicassociated with each said absorbent article, at least a portion of oneof said end walls being at least substantially clear, and a window in atleast one of said walls adapted to allow a viewer to determine thenumber of absorbent articles in the bag, said compressed stack ofdisposable absorbent articles being folded and positioned in saidpolyhedral enclosure so that at least a segment of said at least onegraphic of one of said disposable absorbent articles is visuallyperceivable through said at least substantially clear portion of saidone wall against which said compressed stack of disposable absorbentarticles is exerting the expansion force.
 2. The bag of claim 1 furthercomprising an at least substantially clear area on another of saidwalls, said area continuous with said portion of said one end wall. 3.The bag of claim 1 wherein substantially all of said one end wall is atleast substantially clear.
 4. The bag of claim 1 wherein said portion isclear.
 5. The bag of claim 1 wherein said disposable absorbent articleis a child's disposable absorbent training pant comprising elastic sidepanels joined together by side seams to form a waist opening and legopenings.
 6. The bag of claim 1 wherein said frangible line is in 2walls.
 7. The bag of claim 1 wherein said frangible line is in 3 walls.8. The bag of claim 1 wherein said frangible line is a line ofperforations.
 9. The bag of claim 1 further comprising an at leastsubstantially clear area on another of said walls, said area separatefrom said portion of said one end wall but positioned so as to drawattention to said at least one graphic.
 10. The bag of claim 1, whereinsaid frangible line is in three walls other than said end walls.
 11. Thebag of claim 10, wherein said three walls comprise said two side wallsand one of said bottom wall and said top wall.
 12. A packaging bag,comprising: a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall, and abottom wall; said walls defining an interior space, a stack of foldeddisposable absorbent articles contained in said interior space, each oneof said articles adapted to be worn by a user and comprising a frontpanel and a back panel, an access portion on at least one of said walls,a first graphic on said front panel of each said article, a first windowon one of said end walls and having a periphery, said peripherysubstantially framing at least a portion of said first graphic, a secondwindow in another of said end walls and having a periphery, and a secondgraphic on said back panel of each said article, said periphery of saidsecond window substantially framing at least a portion of said graphicon said back panel, and, a window in at least one of said walls adaptedto allow a viewer to determine the number of absorbent articles in thebag.
 13. The bag of claim 12 further comprising an at leastsubstantially clear area on another of said walls and positioned thereonto be visually associated with said window.
 14. The bag of claim 12wherein said access portion comprises a frangible line.
 15. The bag ofclaim 13 wherein said at least substantially clear area is continuouswith said window.